Basil-Balsamic Pasta Salad in Four Steps

A “culinary herb” like basil can upgrade any of your go-to starches, whether it’s pizza or this otherwise simple pasta salad. Doused with light balsamic dressing, these noodles receive an aromatic punch with the basil, and the flavors are rounded out with juicy cherry tomatoes, spinach and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Add this foolproof recipe to your running intern eats list.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:
1 pound uncooked pasta (any shape)
20 basil leaves
1⁄2 bottle Newman’s Own Lite Balsamic
1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
3⁄4 cup mozzarella cheese
2 cups chopped spinach

Tip: Each ingredient is to taste—add less cheese and more basil if you choose.

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions on package.

Photo by Katherine Richter

2. While pasta is cooking, chop basil leaves and spinach into thin strips and cut tomatoes into halves.

Photo by Katherine Richter

3. Toss chopped spinach and tomatoes into a bowl with the basil.

Photo by Katherine Richter

4. Toss cooked pasta with balsamic vinaigrette, add to the bowl and finish with grated Parmesan.

Photo by Katherine Richter

Make your days even more pasta-licious with these recipes:

• Pasta Primavera
• Butternut Squash Pasta
• Penne Pasta With Balsamic Butter Sauce

• Summer
• Vegetarian